The military claimed that all civilians killed were either armed terrorists or civilians shot by terrorists, and noted that some civilians were shot by terrorists disguised in army uniforms. The military declared the area a "live fire zone," and medics were banned from entering. On 16 May, UDD leaders said they were ready for talks as long as the military pulled back, but the government demanded the protesters' unconditional dispersal. The government rejected a Senate call for a ceasefire and Senate-mediated negotiations. On 17 May, Amnesty International called for the military to stop using live ammunition. Armored vehicles led the final assault into Ratchaprasong in the early morning of 19 May, killing at least five. Soldiers were reported to have fired on medical staff who went to the aid of shooting victims. By 1:30 pm, UDD leaders surrendered to police and told protesters to disperse. Dozens of arson attacks broke out nationwide. A curfew was declared and troops were authorized to shoot on sight anybody inciting unrest. Background In Thailand, a series of political protests against the Democrat Party-led government occurred in March to May 2010 as a result of an ongoing political crisis. Anger against Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government was high throughout 2009, due to the controversial legal and military maneuvering that led to the formation of the government. In February 2010, Abhisit tightened security in anticipation of a controversial Supreme Court ruling on former Prime Minister Takshin Shinawatra. When the 26 February ruling confirmed the bribery accusations, protests were limited, but the UDD announced it would organize a 14 March protest and call for new elections. Abhisit further tightened security in anticipation of the protest. The media was censored, and radio stations and television stations sympathetic to the protesters were shut down. Timeline 10 April The crackdown against protesters on 10 April occurred along the middle stretch of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, from Phan Fa Lilat Bridge towards the Democracy Monument, along with the surrounding area. Military personnel dropped tear gas from helicopters and shot at protesters with live bullets. The clashes led to 19 civilian deaths from the afternoon to late evening, mostly concentrated at Khok Wua Intersection and Dinso Road at the north side of the Democracy Monument. In the late evening, around 8:30 pm, a group of armed people dressed in black emerged at Khok Wua, attacking the soldiers with guns and explosives. Five soldiers